Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, perfume and herb plant

🌿 Why grow Patchouli?

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is famous as the ultimate hippie scent, but it’s much more than incense. In the garden, it is a lush, shade-loving herb that thrives in warm, humid, frost-free climates. With its rich fragrance, bold leaves, and cultural history, Patchouli is both ornamental and useful.

🌱 Growing Conditions

Patchouli likes hot, humid conditions and is not drought-hardy. Patchouli grows at least as far South as Sydney. It prefers rich, well-composted soil but can adapt to sandy soils with care, but it hates water-logging. Best grown in shade to part-shade. In frost-free areas it can be grown outdoors year-round, while in cooler climates it is best grown in pots and brought indoors for winter.

🍵 Culinary & Household Uses

Patchouli leaves are strongly aromatic. A couple of fresh leaves can be brewed with black tea (one or two leaves per teapot, not per cup) for a warming, exotic flavour. They can also be used in very small quantities in baked goods, sweet dishes, or infused drinks. Traditionally, dried Patchouli was placed in cupboards and chests to repel moths, bed bugs, and cockroaches. That said, traditional cockroaches seem to be easier to impress than Generation Z roaches…

🌸 Medicinal Properties

Growing patchouli in the garden is good news for the aging hippie: it is anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is the source of many chronic diseases.

In traditional herbal medicine, Patchouli is also used for its antifungal and antibacterial qualities. It has been used to ease anxiety, depression, colds, and headaches. Its essential oil remains popular in aromatherapy as a grounding, calming scent. Always use sparingly and consult a professional before medicinal use.

✂️ Care & Harvesting

Harvest leaves as needed once the plant is well established. Pinching back tips encourages bushier growth. I avoid letting the plant flower, as it will look untidy. I believe leaves are best used fresh.